RM revealed that BTS debated whether to disband during its hiatus but said the members’ love for each other and their fans kept them together as they prepare for a full-group comeback next spring.
Rumors of a possible relationship between BTS’s Jungkook and aespa’s Winter are gaining traction online as fans highlight matching tattoos, items and social media clues. Both agencies have stayed silent as speculation spreads.
Top K-pop choreographers and Rep. Jin Jong-oh urged stronger choreography copyright protections, calling for proper crediting and legal recognition to support creators and strengthen Korea’s cultural industry.
JYP Entertainment has opened applications for its 20th annual audition, offering young performers a chance to become trainees before the company transitions to a new global audition system next year.
SM Entertainment has launched preregistration for its 2026 SM Global Audition, which will tour Korea and 21 international cities to recruit new K-pop talent.
BTS member Jungkook has become the first Korean solo artist to surpass 10 billion Spotify streams, led by the massive success of his album “Golden” and global hits such as “Seven” and “Standing Next to You.”
Stray Kids will headline the 2026 Rock in Rio festival, becoming the first K-pop group to lead one of the world’s largest and most influential music events.
Stray Kids’ new album “Do It” became an immediate million-seller and reached No. 11 on Spotify’s global chart, marking the group’s highest placement to date.
Chinese authorities have denied rumors that former EXO member Kris Wu died in prison, calling the online claims false and warning users against spreading misinformation.
![The number of students at schools across Koreatown in Los Angeles is sharply declining. Recruitment banners hang on the exterior walls of an elementary school. [Sangjin Kim, The Korea Daily]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1208-schools-100x70.jpg "Koreatown school enrollment shows steepest decline in LAUSD")
